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In Case You Missed It:

FDA takes some surgical mesh products off the market

Research we're watching

Published: July, 2019

Transvaginal mesh, which has been used in transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse procedures since the 1990s, can no longer be sold in the United States because of concerns over safety and efficacy, according to the FDA. The number of women reporting problems related to these mesh products has grown over the past several years. The FDA said it made the decision because the companies that manufacture the mesh couldn't demonstrate that surgical procedures with their products work better than those without the mesh. They also failed to submit evidence that the mesh is safe and effective over the long term, said the FDA.

Women who have had procedures using mesh and are experiencing complications such as groin pain, persistent vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, or vaginal discharge should notify their doctor. Women who had procedures using mesh but aren't having any issues don't need to take any action aside from having their usual check-ups, said the FDA.

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Daily Health Tip

Get a grip

Grip strength can fade with age. But if your grip has gotten noticeably weaker, talk with your doctor. An instrument called a hand dynamometer, which measures how hard you can squeeze, can help assess how much muscle strengthening you need.